Mission:
The NSHQ is the single point of direction and coordination for all NATO Special Operations-related activities in order to optimise employment of Special Operations Forces to include providing an operational command capability when directed by SACEUR.
Intent:
The NSHQ is the Alliance proponent for NATO SOF policy, standards, doctrine, training, education and assessments, which maintains and develops a robust operational command, control, communication, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capability equipped with organic SOF enablers to ensure interoperability and enhance employment of NATO Special Operations.
Organization:
• USA is the Framework Nation; provides implementation/admin/IT infrastructure and support
• BEL is host nation with NSHQ at SHAPE
• NSHQ reports to SACEUR through the Director, Special Operations Office (DSOO) for tasking and prioritization
• NSHQ is not part of NATO "Peacetime Establishment” (PE) structure
Capabilities:
• Assess Nations' SOF (1) prior to participating in ISAF SOF, (2) as requested to recommend ways/methods to improve national strategic capabilities
• Provide SOF advice to NATO Leadership and commands, both in-garrison and via Deployable Teams
• Combines Allied Command Operations/Allied Command Transformation functions for SOF in NATO
• Provides SOF training and education (SOF Staff officer/planning, Intel, CJFSOCC)
• Identifies SOF-focused requirements, develops specific capabilities
• Provides a purpose-build NATO SOF BICES communications network (NSN)
Manning:
149 Positions At IOC: 84 personnel (Aug 08)
NSHQ149 personnel auth. 146 bids (by nation): BEL 2, BGR 1, CAN 2, CZE 4, DNK 1, FRA 7, DEU 9, GRC 3, HUN 2, ITA 10, LTU 2, LVA 1, NLD 4, NOR 5, POL 5, PRT 1, ROU 2, SVK 1, SVN 1, ESP 8, TUR 4, GBR 12, USA 59
• 138 positions filled as of 25 Feb 10
• ALB, CRO, EST, ISL, LUX have not joined the NSHQ (ISL & LUX do not have SOF)
Director Special Operations Office (DSOO)4 personnel auth: DEU 1, GBR 2, USA 1
• 2 positions filled as of 5 Mar 09 (DEU 1; USA 1)
Current Operational Support:
• Providing SOF Fusion Cell (SOF FC) to Int'l Security Assistance Force (ISAF); one location to fuse intelligence and operations for SOF in Afghanistan
• Expanding NATO Secure Communications Network; facilitating unprecedented connectivity, information and intelligence sharing across NATO SOF
• Planning and Liaison
Way Ahead:
• Enduring support to ISAF SOF as required
• Providing NSHQ Deployable Teams for SOF advice and planning
• Expanding the NATO SOF BICES Network (secure communications) to nations and SOTGs
• Enhance NATO SOF Network capability
• Establishing Special Operations Intelligence Branch (SOIB)
• Mature/evolve current organisational status
• Establish the Federation of SOF Training Centres & Opportunities